Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted numerous raids across Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram in relation to a money laundering investigation linked to FIITJEE. The raids were prompted by complaints from parents after the institution unexpectedly closed several centres without refunds, leaving many students and families frustrated.Key Takeaways
- ED conducts raids on FIITJEE for money laundering.
- Complaints emerged from parents after sudden centre closures.
- Investigation revealed around 300 suspicious bank accounts.
- Rs 60 lakh seized during the inquiry.
- Formal case filed against FIITJEE for fraud.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday executed raids at multiple locations in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram as part of a money laundering probe reportedly associated with the coaching institute FIITJEE.
The operations were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and included properties belonging to the founders of FIITJEE.
This action by the ED follows numerous complaints from parents who reported that FIITJEE abruptly closed several of its centres in January without any advance notice or refunds.
Many parents had invested substantial fees, expecting comprehensive coaching for competitive exams such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), but were left feeling frustrated and abandoned.
FIITJEE operates a network of 73 centres throughout India. The controversy began when centres in areas like Ghaziabad, Noida Sector 62, and Greater Noida were unexpectedly shuttered just prior to important exams.
This sudden decision left countless students in limbo and their families outraged.
In response to the public outcry, several FIRs were lodged, prompting the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police to initiate an investigation in February.
Notices were dispatched to bank account holders and centre operators, but there was no response. Subsequently, investigators identified approximately 300 bank accounts suspected of being tied to the scam.
These accounts have been frozen, and reports indicate that Rs 60 lakh was confiscated during the inquiry.
In March, the EOW formally filed charges against FIITJEE for purported fraud, which included accusations of cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and common intention under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
At one centre located in Laxmi Nagar, east Delhi, a staggering 192 complaints were filed by distressed parents.
In light of the allegations, FIITJEE asserted that the closure of the centres was not a decision made by the company itself.
In an official statement, the coaching chain explained that the managing partners and their teams abandoned the centres without notifying the main office.
